Industrial And Transport

Coastal Pasts - Connecting Community with Coastal Heritage at Sandwich Bay

The Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) will establish a self-sustaining community group that will investigate and disseminate information about the heritage assets and their associated environment at Sandwich Bay, which is at severe risk from environmental conditions and uninformed human activity. Drawing on over 50 years’ experience in inclusive, community-led archaeology projects, alongside eight years of preliminary work at Sandwich Bay, NAS has demonstrated both the Bay’s exceptional heritage potential and have built strong relationships with local stakeholders, laying the foundation for a collaborative, locally embedded initiative. This project will enable residents and existing groups to co-create activities that investigate, monitor, and share knowledge about the area’s maritime heritage, linking maritime activity to present-day challenges such as climate change. Activities will be shaped by local interests, encouraging custodianship and long-term sustainable involvement. The result will be a resilient, skilled community group capable of continuing work beyond the life of the grant.